Your Opinions on a Formal Shoe Idea

[KiltedSergeant]

My thought was to make a formal "slipper" that would look good and, more importantly, be very comfortable for formal attire. I have read of slippers (I think in an older sense than how we use that term today) being worn for formal wear. My thought was the possibility of taking the black suede shoe you see below, removing the baubles, and replacing them with a faux buckle like on the brogues in the second photo. What do you think?

Black Slipper.jpg


Black Slipper Buckles.jpg


One problem is that it may seem more historical than traditional, as defined elsewhere in the forum. What are your thoughts?

Also, does anyone know where buckles like this can be purchased? I've looked everywhere on line and can't find them, which in itself could kill the idea.

Thank you for your input!

[RichardtheLarge]

Jose,

I have the shoe pictured below from Thistle shoes, which somewhat inexplicably arrived with an additional pair of faux buckles. I imagine that they would be happy to sell the buckle pieces to you, as they have an abundance.

As to the shoe itself, I would recommend purchasing the buckle brogues rather than attempting a DIY style. I’m afraid that they will look incongruous in suede. Suede suggests velvet to my eye, and velvet shoes, although ubiquitous in “dressy” applications today, are only correct when hosting dinner at one’s own house. If one is leaving one’s house, the shoes should be shined leather.

Another option would be to find a silver buckled wingtip monk strap shoe in black calf or patent leather (calf would be my first choice. I dislike patent leather).

Buckle brogues should be worn with eveningwear or very formal day dress (the equivalent of a morning suit...basically fully turned out with the exception of a grey silk necktie in lieu of a bow tie or jabot). I wouldn’t wear them in a less formal context, but I very much enjoy them when I’m dressing up.

[KiltedSergeant]

Jose,

I have the shoe pictured below from Thistle shoes, which somewhat inexplicably arrived with an additional pair of faux buckles. I imagine that they would be happy to sell the buckle pieces to you, as they have an abundance.

As to the shoe itself, I would recommend purchasing the buckle brogues rather than attempting a DIY style. I’m afraid that they will look incongruous in suede. Suede suggests velvet to my eye, and velvet shoes, although ubiquitous in “dressy” applications today, are only correct when hosting dinner at one’s own house. If one is leaving one’s house, the shoes should be shined leather.

Another option would be to find a silver buckled wingtip monk strap shoe in black calf or patent leather (calf would be my first choice. I dislike patent leather).

Buckle brogues should be worn with eveningwear or very formal day dress (the equivalent of a morning suit...basically fully turned out with the exception of a grey silk necktie in lieu of a bow tie or jabot). I wouldn’t wear them in a less formal context, but I very much enjoy them when I’m dressing up.

Thanks for your input. Apparently my idea was so shocking/disgusting/ridiculous that no one else could even bring themselves to address it! I will take your advice and can the idea. I already have a pair of buckle brogues; I was just looking for something different. Thanks again!

[Terry Searl]

Thanks for your input. Apparently my idea was so shocking/disgusting/ridiculous that no one else could even bring themselves to address it! I will take your advice and can the idea. I already have a pair of buckle brogues; I was just looking for something different. Thanks again!

I have two different styles of shoes I wear. I got them both at a thrift shop which to me was amazing because we are such a small town and both pairs of shoes were virtually brand new. One pair are Ghillie Brogues and despite what others think, I think they look quite smart. The other pair are pictured here and are just posh enough to wear out for meals and such. I don't think I paid more than $10.00 for either pair of shoes....... My wife said "the piper must have died"
I'm now looking for a brown pair that will go......... "matchy matchy" heh! heh! Oh god! I love that expression and hope it curls the toes of those that think "matchy matchy" is an abomination........ with my other brown leathers

[Father Bill]

Not an abomination, Terry; just unnecessary.

[Terry Searl]

Not an abomination, Terry; just unnecessary.

You have said the truth Father Bill with regards to matchy matchy. Truth be told I really don't pay much attention to "matchy matchy" either.
With regards to the Ghillie brouges though I like how the Mustard Yellow or Claret colour of my kilt hose shows through the top of the shoe between the eyelets. I don't use those longer laces, they were a bother.
The Ghillie Brogues seem exceptionally well made and are very comfortable to wear walking, which is likely why the marching fellows wear them. I'm sure if they weren't comfortable, the blisters on the feet, would be changing the shoes to something else........did you get my posts about my two sporran's?...... I finally figured out (Again) how to post photos.......cheers

[Father Bill]

Aye. Seen indeed, with thanks. May want to order one of those!

[KiltedSergeant]

I have two different styles of shoes I wear. I got them both at a thrift shop which to me was amazing because we are such a small town and both pairs of shoes were virtually brand new. One pair are Ghillie Broughes and despite what others think, I think they look quite smart. The other pair are pictured here and are just posh enough to wear our for meals and such. I don't think I paid more than $10.00 for either pair of shoes....... My wife said "the piper must have died"
I'm now looking for a brown pair that will go......... "matchy matchy" heh! heh! Oh god! I love that expression and hope it curls the toes of those that think "matchy matchy" is an abomination........ with my other brown leathers

They look great, and you can't beat the price!

[cck]

I think the suede would present a problem.

[Terry Searl]

Aye. Seen indeed, with thanks. May want to order one of those!

What you have in regards to that Muskrat sporran is absolutely gorgeous and if I was to get another sporran that is what I would have